My name is Kelly. Auntie Kelly to some. Like Andie Grace.
I am her proud Auntie that has put this blog together to update friends & family of her diagnosis, surgical repair, and healing of her little heart.
Andersen (Andie) Grace Paulus was born on Thursday February 19, 2009 to proud parents Duane & Brooke.
She weighed in at a whopping 5 lbs & 7 oz! And was 19.5 inches long. (a string bean, for sure!)
After being home less than 24 hours (Saturday afternoon), Brooke & Duane realized that something just wasn't right. They were told by the doctor to take Andie straight to the ER. Once there, Brooke said that it was very crazy & overwhelming. They were told best & worse case scenarios. Scared is an understatement.
After many tests, the doctors were able to narrow the 'problem' to her heart. The pediatric cardiologist met with them today and told them of her diagnosis. She has 'coarctation of the aorta'. (Click on it for a link to more information.) We are very thankful that it is something that can be repaired. Though she will have to undergo surgery, we remain faithful that the Lord will watch over every moment and see her though it just fine. The surgery will happen within the next couple of days.
Please use the comments to let Duane, Brooke, Andie and her big brothers know that you are praying for them & thinking of them. I know that they will be immeasurably blessed by the support available here though this blog.
Thank you for your prayers.
In the grip of His grace,
(Auntie) Kelly :O)
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9 comments:
We are praying for the little "string bean!" Great idea...we will keep reading the updates! You're a great auntie!
Hi Brooke & Duane: I (Joan) am a distant cousin on your dads side. My husband Ken & I have you all and especially baby "Andie Grace" in our thoughts and prayers. We know God will be watching over her through this awful ordeal. Love & Hugs: Joan & Ken Pavelek
Dear Brooke and Duane,
Jeff just sent me the email about little Andie Grace. My thoughts and prayers are with her and with you all as you move through these next days and weeks. All my best, Christine Karpeles (Bahamas friend)
Brooke,
I was so excited for you when I saw your cute stork out front of your house, especially since you and I were due about the same time (I live in your neighborhood- I know the Jenkins, Turners, Allens, and Coltons). Anyways, I am keeping you guys in my prayers. I can't imagine the emotional and physical stress you are feeling right now.
I love the name you picked. How sweet!
I hope Andie will stay strong, and that Heavenly Father will be with her always!
Hi! I found your blog through KellysKorner blog. I just want to encourage you and let you know of all the heart complications that are out there the Coarctation is the BEST to have! My son who is now 3 had this when he was born too. We did not find out about though until he had RSV and was a vent for 9 days. We had to wait until his lungs healed and he was 5months old when he had his surgery. He also was on meds for the hypertension too. But after the surgery he was so very pink! It was amazing. The coaraction repair took about 45mins from start to finish. Then we stayed in the hospital for a week. We are now down to yearly visits. Do keep in mind though that they may have to have a surgery when in their teens or adult years. Praying for your strength!
Blessings,
Jennifer Johnson
jjljohnson2003@yahoo.com
came over from kelly's korner to let you know that i am praying for little andie and your both as you are in the midst of this very difficult time. my prayers are for peace and strength for you all and for knowledge and guidance of the staff and for healing and pain relief and happiness for sweet little andie!
prayers from indiana...
Hi Brooke and Duane,
My name is Lindsey. I have a little girl named Sarah Kate who was born in January 2008. We learned when she was 8 hours old that she had a severe coarctation. She also had an ASD, a VSD, and a bicuspid aortic valve. She had her first heart surgery to fix the coarc when she was 2 days old. She came through like a champ. She had her 2nd surgery to fix her VSD and ASD just three weeks later. Today, you would never know anything had ever happened to her (unless you see her scar). She is amazing and beautiful and happy. I know that this is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. You will be in my prayers. Andie Grace is a beautiful little girl. And she will be strong and healthy before you know it. These babies are the most amazing creatures. I pray that her healing will be quick and that you will all be home soon!
My daughter Emily Grace had open heart surgery @ 3 months old. She is an amazing and beautiful 4 year old. Loves life, and it loves her. Always remember that God is good to us all the time. Praying for your little girl.
Me and my friends are very concerned about Andie. We have started to raise money for her. We are praying for her and we hope that God will get you through this!
Form,
Livvy
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